The Star 18 and IMAX theatre shows first run attractions and features all stadium seating and stereo sound in each auditorium. Originally operated by Star Cinemas, then became a Kerasotes Theatre. Now operated by AMC

I worked at this theatre for 8 years and I am happy to answer questions about it.

This theatre is 18 screens… 17 plus the IMAX. When Kerasotes renamed it, they were clearly confused. The original name was Star Cinema-Fitchburg.

Theatre was constructed and opened for business in December 1999 as a 14 screen theatre with 12 station concession stand and 6 station box office. We ran exclusively Christie projectors with 4 THX certified auditoriums and half of them running DTS and the other half running Dolby Digital sound systems. The only significant change to the look of this building is the carpeting and hallways, which were changed to match the scheme in the IMAX addition. Street sign was also changed when IMAX was built. Mural above the concession stand was painted by a family member of the ownership, Mark Adamany of Rockford, IL.

I don’t remember the exact date (December 2006?) we added the IMAX addition, but it was opened with 3 additional 150 seat auditoriums to accommodate long first-runs and an additional 8 station concession stand and set of bathrooms. Was previously owned and operated by the Adamany family of AGT Enterprises in Prairie Du Chien, who still own and operate their original location there.

Kerasotes is obviously now AMC at the end of the month, so this information will be changing.

On all of the occasions that I went to this multiplex, I found the experience to be annoying. I have since vowed to not return my business to the chain.

Advertisements are blared at obscene levels before shows start, and the showings consistently started 10-20 minutes late (excluding IMAX showings, which start on time without ads). I made the mistake of catching Prometheus on the opening night, and arrived about 20 minutes early. This resulted in 40 minutes of painfully loud ads.

The projection quality is very poor as well, except for the IMAX showing which was fine. Each time I went here, the picture was either slightly blurry or too dark.

With Marcus opening the Palace in Sun Prairie and upgrading the nearby Point, this multiplex seems to be struggling. Was here for a matinee last week and was the only person in the auditorium. They are holding onto movies longer and also showing a mix of indie and Bollywood films. Never a good sign.

The Star is currently installing power reclining seats to 5 of its auditoriums. Once this is completed, the remaining screening rooms will receive the upgrade, with the exception of the IMAX. A liquor license is also being sought to bring about the cinepub experience.